There were significant changes in American society in the 1920s, while the most significant impact is counted on Ford’s mass production. It made a foundation for a new style in society at that time. The style is freedom. As a result, it affected fashion trends and styles of shoes at the same time. As a result, shoe fashion trends seem to be more open and liberal.
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The 1920s Shoe Fashion Trends
T-Strap Heels- Famous Formal Footwear
Today, you can still come across some shoes with a t-strap design. This kind of shoe in the 1920s looks quite challenging while the surface is studded with some sparkling beads to increase the elegance. The open-toe upper is connected to the strap that wraps tightly at the ankle with a small string, forming a T-shape. The heel is wide to support the sole.
Currently, t-strap shoes also have been improved more than before. They are made of soft leather material and have a more diverse and sophisticated design. In addition, the sole of the shoe is made larger to ensure safety for the wearers. The T-strap design is also more flexible, not looking stiff like the T-strap shoe design of the 1920s.
Oxford Shoes- Notable Leather Shoes In The 1920s
Oxford shoes are a popular style of work shoes that you often see in men today. The shoe material was leather, and back then, Oxford shoes were trendy among women. From the outside, it is pretty similar to the design of boots. The design is closed and has decorative shoelaces, its height is short, just right at the ankle of a person, but the position of the shoelaces is slightly curved to look youthful and elegant.
Compared to the current shape of Oxford shoes for women, they have been much upgraded with new material and more diverse colors than before.
Read more on summer work boots for men.
Mary Jane Shoes- Exciting Shoes In The 1920s
The 1920s were also considered essential years as they marked the introduction of new shoes, including the Mary Jane shoe. Today, you can still find this type of shoe with more designs and improvements. However, in the first Mary Jane shoes, their material and the technology of seam were not as beautiful and delicate as the current Mary Jane shoes.
Although its original basic design is still maintained, Mary Jane shoes have a doll-style design, with an open upper to create ventilation for women to wear. In addition, it has a strap to create certainty when moving. But unlike doll shoes, the Mary Jane shoes have a thicker and higher sole, which looks more like a lady.
Tennis Shoes- Beloved Sports Shoes In The 1920s
The tennis movement from the 1920s began to flourish in many countries, including the US and some European countries. Tennis was like a sport that proved the class of women and for the wealthy aristocracy. Playing tennis is so prominent that many major fashion and footwear brands derive from these popular tennis shoes. There are currently prominent global shoe brands, Nike and Adidas, and both have essential starting points at this outstanding event.
Now, the style of tennis shoes is much simpler than before. The tennis shoe style of the 1920s has a rather typical design of Oxford shoes, but the material is absorbent cotton and is more suitable for sports activities.
A Look At The History Of Some Shoe Brands From 1920 To Present
The Period The 1900s-1950s
This period marked the birth of significant shoe brands today, including Converse shoes, Most Comfortable Adidas shoes, Puma, Balenciaga, Prada, New Balance. It also marked the popularity of sneakers in the early 1950s.
History Of Shoes From 1900s To 1950s
- 1906: New Balance shoe company was founded
- 1908: Converse shoe company is founded by Marquis Mills Converse.
- 1913: Prada shoe brand was founded
- 1917: The Converse All-Star product aimed at basketball players was introduced.
- 1919: Balenciaga shoe brand was established.
- 1920: Adi Dassler creates spike shoes.
- 1924: Adi Dassler and his brother Rudi Dassler founded the Adidas brand.
- 1948: Rudi separates and founded the Puma brand, which competes directly with Adidas.
- The 1950s: Sneakers become popular school shoes thanks to James Dean wearing white sneakers with Levi’s jeans in Rebel’s movie.
The Period From The 1950s To 2000
The next phase marked the birth and explosive development of Nike. Although it was founded later than Converse and Adidas, Nike has risen globally as the leading shoe brand. Currently, Nike’s revenue is much larger than that of other famous shoe brands. However, the revenue gap between Nike and Adidas as the second-largest global shoe brand is still a long way off.
This period also marked the birth of a young and quite famous shoe brand today: Christian Louboutin, Lululemon, and McQueen. They have faced high-speed growth in the current period.
History Of Shoes From 1950s To 2000
- 1964: The Blue ribbon Sports Company, the predecessor of the Nike brand, was born in Oregon.
- 1966: Vans shoe brand was born.
- 1971: Carolyn Davidson – a graphic student, designed the famous Swoosh logo for Nike for just $35.
- 1977: Van released the #98, the forerunner of the Classic Slip-On shoe.
- 1985: Nike released the Air Jordan basketball shoe that caused worldwide fever and became the best-selling design in the company’s history.
- 1991: Christian Louboutin shoe brand was founded
- 1992: Mcqueen shoe brand was established
- 1998: Lululemon shoe brand began.
The Period From 2000 To Present
Marking the critical event of merging between Converse and Nike. Although Nike acquired Converse in 2003, it continued to grow and solidified Nike’s position in the marketplace.
- History of shoes from 2000 to present
- 2003: Nike acquires Converse for US$309 million.
- 2011: The sports shoe industry is valued at $13 billion.
- 2013: Converse and Maison Martin Margiela jointly launch a collection of shoes painted entirely by hand and using premium white paint.
Above are the prominent shoe trends in the 1920s and the historical development milestones of the shoe industry from 1920 onwards. Hopefully, the article helps you gain a new perspective on the business picture of this field. See you on the following exciting topics.